Interesting review Gordon,bike is looking great by the way.I have had my Supersix Evo since the end of 2016 with a SRAM Red group set and have updated the Wheels to Scribe carbon and a new saddle and that’s the only modification I have made,along with a bike fit I had a few years ago of which I had a 130 stem fitted.I have now completed just over 12,000 miles and even though I have resisted the temptation of getting a new bike I have stuck with my trusted Cannondale and it still gives me a comfortable,fast and enjoyable ride every time…luv it 👍🏻
@@dave136 that's a glowing commendation after so many miles. Great stuff, Dave. I've had the black&white System Six carbon/alu since 2007 and that's still going well - for me they've always been solid, dependable bikes.
That was an excellent review, Gordon. Really interesting to hear how the bike fits in with the wider line-up and lineage and your own thoughts so far on all the different features, weight and wheels. The three bikes comparison sounds like a great idea for a future chat and video! Surprised it ships with a 36t on the back but well done Cannondale I say! Very superficial but I really like that superman logo too! Cracking video and bike! 🙂
Thanks, Martin. I see you've got a new one with 'The Boardman Question' so I'll be interested to give it a spin at lunchtime. I've left the 36T on the stock wheels and bought 11-34T for the Ksyriums but I'm a big fan of 'modern gears' because I don't like every major climb to be a life and death struggle - there's no harm in deliberately pushing a big ratio but it's good to have options. The Superman sticker is a nod to the bike that I lost in that heavy fall, plus it protects the paintwork when I use a top-tube bag for the GoPro.
Well that was an excellent video. Really enjoyed it Lovely bike Seems that Autumn is already knocking at the door here in Yorkshire although the next few days weather looking good. Unfortunately im having to work 😢 Spent the last few days getting my trusty autumn/winter bike ready. Looking forward to your next video
@@gmivisualsjason3729 Cheers, Jason. It's a good addition to the summer stables. I'm in the same boat at the moment - hoping to get a good one at the weekend tho'.
@@gmivisualsjason3729 ready to ride it's 8.5-8.6 kg, with a long Ti seatpost. The 2007 Cannondale is 8 kg with the aero wheels, 7.7kg with climbing wheels & a lighter saddle.
Great review and nice bike. Love my steel, rime brake bike but seriously thinking of going to the dark side next Spring, fingers crossed a modern road bike to be in the In Crowd.
Oh yes, you have to stay up-to-date if you want to run with the hepcats! I looked at this as an addition rather than a replacement and I doubt whether it will displace my Ti rim-brake bike for the 100+ milers, but it's fun for the short-to-medium distance punchier stuff, and I'm already quite a fan of the 30mm GP5000s. There are some reasonable discounts around at the moment - worth keeping an eye on things.
@@toddfield4744 Not on camera though, Todd 😁 I have my retro YT reputation to consider. Scary to think It's 15 years since I bought an up-to-date road bike (orig Supersix)
Looks a great Bike. I had a Supersix EVO with DA Di2 a few years back. Loved the 14000km I put on it. The chainstay cracked riding over a speedbump. Cannondale wouldn't honour a warranty claim, however the dealer kindly sold me a CAAD12 frame at cost. Still riding that bike occasionally. Sublime for an alloy bike, but it could never fill the gap the Supersix left behind.
That's a real shame, especially on such a great bike with so many years ahead of it. It's good of the dealer to offer some kind of solution but disappointing that Cannondale wouldn't honour the warranty. I don't have any experience with the newer Al frames but my CAAD4 c.2000 was a wonderful combination of stiffness, light weight, and comfort, especially considering we used 21-23mm tyres back then. The black & white bike in the video is a 2007 System Six which bonded the rear half of a CAAD8 or 9 to a carbon front half - another fine steed.
@@clippingin1593 if you can pick yourself up a CAAD 10 and set it up right for yourself you will notice minimal performance difference and quite possibly find the 10 more comfortable over longer distances. At least that's my experience owning both. Quick spin over a few mountains SSE gets out, however for the Haute Route and Marmotte and it's been the CAAD 10 that got to go to the party.
@@johnflynn4923 Good tip grounded in experience, great stuff - thanks John. The black & white Cannondale in the video (with Cosmic Carbon) is a 2007 System Six which fused a CAAD8 or 9 rear to a carbon front end, and that's a real all-day machine. Going back to 2009 I used it for a 400 km event, with 23mm tyres. Cannondale sussed the comfortable-performance Aluminium a long time ago. I can see this SSE being a fun blast-of-a-bike for up to 70-80 miles and then either the System Six or the Ti take over.
I was looking forward to this review, and it didn't disappoint. It's a shame about the stock wheels, because at 3k, but eith better and lighter wheels, I think the bike is a good price vs spec. As they say, you don't get much for 3 grand these days. I'd be tempted to carry on riding it through the winter, especially as it has an outboard threaded BB, which should keep the weather out.
@@ajollygoodchap I did some heavy edits to get the running time down & chopped out the part where I said that I got this for £2k. At that price, with the Ksyriums lined up, the stock wheels/tyres didn't concern me, but at full RRP they look like a corner-cut. I'll be keeping the 'summer bikes' out 'til the clock change.
How times change. My old Pace has a 28t block, the same as my road bikes. I remember I used to ride up mountains on a 42-21. How on earth was that possible? 😂 I’m new to your vids and have enjoyed seeing the roads I used to ride regularly, on the other side of the hill. Keep up the good work.
Things have changed so quickly, Dave. I had 42x23 8 spd in the mid-late 90s & did most of the rides in these videos - we'd even try to avoid using bottom gear. In 2007 when I got the System Six it had 10 spd 39x27, which I thought was ridiculously low. I fitted a compact to that bike when I came back in 2022. Nowadays we have 12 sprockets so we can afford to have cogs in reserve, with this Cannondale I rarely drop below 34x27, but I like the reassurance of having bail out gears if it's a screaming headwind or you've bonked. It's better than walking, or pulling something. With a bit of luck I'm heading over into East Lancs on Saturday for the 'Haslingden Halo' - there'll be a lot of new ground for me after Bacup.
Great review gordon very interesting,im looking at getting another bike but its a minefield of choice ,ive always had giant bikes and they've never let me down to be fair but once you start browsing its very hard to nail down a potential upgrade🤔
You're right, Jay, I found it quite bewildering at first. It's 15 years since I bought an up-to-date road bike and there have been so many changes in that time that it made me feel like Rip Van Winkle. There are quite a few reductions and discounts around as the trade tries to recover from the post 2020-21 slump. I edited out a few sections to reduce running time so this upload didn't mention that I picked up this bike at 1/3 off RRP. I was originally looking for a new autumn/winter bike but when I saw the discount I changed plans and I'll probably push one of the other bikes into the winter role.
Cheers, Adam. I didn't realise it was so creased until I saw it under bright lights on camera....😁 Needless to say, this video didn't have as many takes as a Kubrick film.
Cheers, Mick. I don't do many indoor videos but a few people have been asking for a spotlight on the new bike, so it was quicker to set up in the music room.
Compared to old saddles, I have found that on new saddles the rear wings don’t drop down fast enough at edges on the sides so they hit the back of your thigh more and I find I end up shifting forward subconsciously to avoid that especially if I’m in the drops. Even with a center channel might get pressure in the center leading to numbness in the middle
That's a good description because it's roughly the hamstring/glute junction where I'm getting numb on longer rides, and the newer saddles have a much shorter nose so you can't get out of the way as easily. My favourite racing saddles were always 2000s Fizik Arione & 1990s Flites, with San Marco Squadras or Rolls for big mileage.
very nice bike! But I think we need to know more about that Moog and the possible link to Clockwork Orange (Wendy Carlos Switched on Bach, all done on a Moog C3 if memory serves)
@@treyquattro Good spot on the shirt & synth connection, Trey. That soundtrack & 'Switched On' were a modular Moog fest. Mine's a Moog Matriarch, classed as semi-modular, and it's paraphonic so I can play 4 note chords with all kinds of modulation ( stereo filter & a glorious stereo analog delay ) or stack the oscillators, lightly detune, and it's a monster mono.
Nice bike Gordon 👍 Prices for bike models can quickly increase for less and less features retuned. I recently chose a new discounted Giant Defy Advanced 1 Disc, carbon frame, mostly Ultegra, a starter model with heavy basic wheels and 32mm tyres and Standard Shimano crank. Came in at 9.4kg without pedals. However having pretty light frame as a good starting point, finding a new Ultegra crank, new carbon EliteWheels 38mm, 28m tyres with TPU tubes, carbon bottle cages it's now 8.1kg. All for 50% of the price of the next model up. Wish I could loose weight as fast as the bike did. 😂 Anything helps to me get up these Yorkshire hills. Alas it's only a 11-34 at the moment. 11-36 like yours would be better.
I remember seeing your new bike on Strava, David. That's a nifty bit of upgrading you've pulled off at a good price. There are some good discounts around at the moment - I picked this one at 1/3 off so I've already got a few bob in the carbon wheel fund. I was thinking about TPU but I ended going for latex tubes because I used them for so many years - just got to remember to pump them up every couple of days! Might try them next year though. As you say, it all helps when we're adding up the ascent-time on the likes of Halton Gill or Holme Moss.
I think the 50/34 and 11/36 is a great gearing combination....one I have on one of my summer bikes. Your point about through axles is interesting, I have recently purchased a Giant TCR which came with a 5mm removal Allen key which clips securely into either of the axles......looks similar to a quick release handle.....maybe something to investigate.
Thanks for the tip. Someone else said tool-free axles are available as an aftermarket part so I'll do a bit of searching. I have a gravel bike which has through-axles with permanently-fixed right-angle heads so you can easily torque them open or closed, and they don't roll far if you put them down on a slope. I'm a big fan of the new low gears, especially as I've got over-50. I find that once my leg muscles become sore they stay sore for days, whereas if I spin lower gears and shift the burden to the heart & lungs then I can ride 7-8-9 days consecutively.
the other problem with through-axles is that they're coated in grease so if you put one (or drop one) on the ground you run the risk of picking up a load of grit
Thanks, Jose. The bright orange was the deciding factor for me! It's strange that it's only available on the 12 spd mechanical base-model and if I'd moved up the range then the 'not-black' options were mustard-green or sky-blue.
Cheers again, Paul. Is this a new account for you? I seem to remember a blue disc for the ident. I'll put a few more miles into the new bike then mothball it before the road-salting starts.
@@geoffgodsell233 Cheers, Geoff. I've got one on the old gravel bike that has a tool-free right angle head so I'll track one down, but I just found it odd that Cannondale ship this stealth type.
@@clippingin1593I have the previous generation also in 105 manual but 11 speed. Run it on 30mm Tubeless. Love it. Agree on the thru axles. I found the hex head to be very soft too, even when using high quality Allen keys. Got through two of them on the rear wheel. Maybe I just do not know how to use an Allen Key, LOL! Changed to the version that does not need tools. The Formula Hubs are not robust in my experience. Rear one failed after a few months, Smart to use your own wheels. I swapped the wheels too after the hub failure. The lowest spec models in a range like this are clearly the best value and upgrades such as carbon wheels are easy to add. Great review.
@@stepheneaston8354 Thanks for the extended comment, Stephen. It's good to know that it's running well for you and I'll keep an eye open for the hex problem. Someone kindly looked into tool-free axles and left a comment on here with a Bontrager part number - I'll be buying a pair in the not-too-distant. I was quite lucky to pick up this model at 1/3 off retail so my complaints over the wheels, tyre diameter, and even saddle quality, aren't too concerning for me. I have manual 105 11 spd on the titanium bike and it's fuss-free riding with very smooth, reliable shifting on both derailleurs. I've noticed that 11-36T has appeared with the change to 12 speed, although I fitted 11-34T to the Ksyriums. Great stuff.
I’m not sold on aero I’d have be doing 30 mph on my rides to get any benefit. weight wins every time 😳internal cables look great but it’s a trip to the bike shop to do anything. Tyres the highest I’ll go is 28 that’s just my preference. I don’t know where the bike industry is going these days when a bike costs the same as a Norton Commando? Disc brakes and aero bikes are heavy compared to bikes of say 10 years ago. But at the end of the day if you enjoy riding the cannondale that’s all that matters👍
I think we're broadly in agreement on many of those points and I certainly signposted internal cables as a future headache. I'm no fan of hydraulic discs for road bikes because I'm yet to see any benefits beyond tyre clearance, and they introduce a lot of faff as well as extra weight - something I mentioned when talking about today's pro bikes. I know from time-trialling experience that aerodynamics have an effect at much lower speeds than you'd expect. Ride a 12 Hr at 22+ mph and the difference in rider effort between a classic Gios/28H and a modern machine is significant, so it's not just a factor at pro' speeds. Now, for non-competitive leisure riding it doesn't really matter if you do 100 miles in 6:00 or 6:15. There's a whole different argument about people having a 'performance mindset' and choosing 'fast kit', when the reality is that they're not racing. At some point there'll be a follow-up with a discussion of weight, comfort, effort-level and even durability for the three bikes mentioned. There's also a chance that the Supersix becoming my winter bike with 32s and mudguards.
Cheers. Yes, it's a fully integrated set-up. The cables run from the bars, under the stem, then via a groove into the steerer tube. I haven't traced from there, but there are little blanking plates on the down-tube and under the bottom bracket. I think changing the cables will be good for the swear-box.
The classic Cannondales were revolutionary and I think they were the best mainstream aluminium racing frames in the late 90s and early 2000s. The company shifted manufacturing to Taiwan in the mid-late 2000s and it's been taken over at least a couple of times, so I've no idea about continuity of design philosophy - but my soft spot for the brand saw me buying this and although it's early days I'm happy enough.
People have been asking this on and off for the past 18 months and I always have to disappoint them.... haha. I've listened closely on the studio rig and I hear a lot of similarities in the accent, cadence, and intonation, but I also hear some odd stuff. I wouldn't be surprised if CH are using some nifty AI.
@@Cyclingpsyman There's a similar channel called 'Watts' and I swear they're using a voice-clone of Eurosport's Carlton Kirby! It's uncanny. I spotted your Cannondale on that rainy ride in the Ulpha hills before the battery packed up.
Hi again mate, can I ask if your mechanical gear shifting works ok? Have heard stories that routing cables through stem with tight bends lowers shift quality and/or doesn’t work at all. Cheers!
That's a good question. So far I've put about 1000 miles into it & the indexing across the 12 sprockets is spot-on. Just a slight tweak of the rear mech barrel adjuster c. 700 miles to compensate for stretch - usual stuff. Maybe in the long run it'll need fresh inners more often but I can't fault it so far. This bike will be hibernating in a couple of weeks then I'll see how it goes next spring.
It's the usual story of manufacturing, Brian. Prior to 2006-2007, Cannondale frames were manufactured in the USA but then they relocated to Taiwan and all parts East. A lot of today's frame-building, especially the carbon gear, is sub-contracted to a handful of neighbouring mega-factories.
The framesets the pro's ride are made in small batches by composite engineers of a super high modulus carbon with extra layers, while the ones the public buy with their hard earned money are manufactured in Tiawan with lower grade carbon in large batches by unskilled workers.
It's an age-old dodge, going back decades before even Pegoretti's specials. That's the magic of endorsements, aspiration, and brand association. Cheers, Juanito.
You're right, Alistair, there's a platform for a performance bike even using this base-model. I bought it at 1/3 off so there's already something in the upgrade fund. The Ksyriums I fitted aren't too bad at 1700gm but you could trim that by 300-400gm with carbon 35mm, go for a lighter saddle, bars, pedals, cassette and you'd be sub-8 kg. Now we just need to find the website where we can upgrade to Van der Poel's wattage :))
Cheers. I have one from Amazon which uses a 5 LED horizontal array with soft rubber backing and a rubber-ladder strap, but I also have a circular unit attached to a loop on the seat pack. Belt & braces. I'm going to source a spare seatpost over the winter while they still support this model.
I've been getting this question a few times per month for the past year and a half and I have to keep disappointing people. It's not me, but I hear a lot of similarities, as well as a few oddities. Crazy stuff.
There's a comment with a link to a site selling tool-free axles. I'll buy a pair over the winter when I mothball this bike. I have a Whyte MTB with powerful 4 piston hydraulic brakes and that uses a Maxle with a QR style final closure of a threaded axle. Secure, convenient, tool-free.
Interesting review Gordon,bike is looking great by the way.I have had my Supersix Evo since the end of 2016 with a SRAM Red group set and have updated the Wheels to Scribe carbon and a new saddle and that’s the only modification I have made,along with a bike fit I had a few years ago of which I had a 130 stem fitted.I have now completed just over 12,000 miles and even though I have resisted the temptation of getting a new bike I have stuck with my trusted Cannondale and it still gives me a comfortable,fast and enjoyable ride every time…luv it 👍🏻
Wow! Definitely a keeper!!
@@dave136 that's a glowing commendation after so many miles. Great stuff, Dave.
I've had the black&white System Six carbon/alu since 2007 and that's still going well - for me they've always been solid, dependable bikes.
That was an excellent review, Gordon. Really interesting to hear how the bike fits in with the wider line-up and lineage and your own thoughts so far on all the different features, weight and wheels. The three bikes comparison sounds like a great idea for a future chat and video! Surprised it ships with a 36t on the back but well done Cannondale I say! Very superficial but I really like that superman logo too! Cracking video and bike! 🙂
Thanks, Martin. I see you've got a new one with 'The Boardman Question' so I'll be interested to give it a spin at lunchtime.
I've left the 36T on the stock wheels and bought 11-34T for the Ksyriums but I'm a big fan of 'modern gears' because I don't like every major climb to be a life and death struggle - there's no harm in deliberately pushing a big ratio but it's good to have options.
The Superman sticker is a nod to the bike that I lost in that heavy fall, plus it protects the paintwork when I use a top-tube bag for the GoPro.
Well that was an excellent video.
Really enjoyed it
Lovely bike
Seems that Autumn is already knocking at the door here in Yorkshire although the next few days weather looking good.
Unfortunately im having to work 😢
Spent the last few days getting my trusty autumn/winter bike ready.
Looking forward to your next video
@@gmivisualsjason3729 Cheers, Jason. It's a good addition to the summer stables. I'm in the same boat at the moment - hoping to get a good one at the weekend tho'.
@@clippingin1593 What does your titanium Dolan weigh?
@@gmivisualsjason3729 ready to ride it's 8.5-8.6 kg, with a long Ti seatpost. The 2007 Cannondale is 8 kg with the aero wheels, 7.7kg with climbing wheels & a lighter saddle.
Great review and nice bike. Love my steel, rime brake bike but seriously thinking of going to the dark side next Spring, fingers crossed a modern road bike to be in the In Crowd.
Oh yes, you have to stay up-to-date if you want to run with the hepcats! I looked at this as an addition rather than a replacement and I doubt whether it will displace my Ti rim-brake bike for the 100+ milers, but it's fun for the short-to-medium distance punchier stuff, and I'm already quite a fan of the 30mm GP5000s.
There are some reasonable discounts around at the moment - worth keeping an eye on things.
Nice review Gordon and lovely bike. Welcome to the dark side. You will be adding Di2 and a power meter before too long
@@toddfield4744 Not on camera though, Todd 😁 I have my retro YT reputation to consider.
Scary to think It's 15 years since I bought an up-to-date road bike (orig Supersix)
Looks a great Bike. I had a Supersix EVO with DA Di2 a few years back. Loved the 14000km I put on it. The chainstay cracked riding over a speedbump. Cannondale wouldn't honour a warranty claim, however the dealer kindly sold me a CAAD12 frame at cost. Still riding that bike occasionally. Sublime for an alloy bike, but it could never fill the gap the Supersix left behind.
That's a real shame, especially on such a great bike with so many years ahead of it.
It's good of the dealer to offer some kind of solution but disappointing that Cannondale wouldn't honour the warranty.
I don't have any experience with the newer Al frames but my CAAD4 c.2000 was a wonderful combination of stiffness, light weight, and comfort, especially considering we used 21-23mm tyres back then.
The black & white bike in the video is a 2007 System Six which bonded the rear half of a CAAD8 or 9 to a carbon front half - another fine steed.
@@clippingin1593 if you can pick yourself up a CAAD 10 and set it up right for yourself you will notice minimal performance difference and quite possibly find the 10 more comfortable over longer distances. At least that's my experience owning both. Quick spin over a few mountains SSE gets out, however for the Haute Route and Marmotte and it's been the CAAD 10 that got to go to the party.
@@johnflynn4923 Good tip grounded in experience, great stuff - thanks John.
The black & white Cannondale in the video (with Cosmic Carbon) is a 2007 System Six which fused a CAAD8 or 9 rear to a carbon front end, and that's a real all-day machine.
Going back to 2009 I used it for a 400 km event, with 23mm tyres.
Cannondale sussed the comfortable-performance Aluminium a long time ago.
I can see this SSE being a fun blast-of-a-bike for up to 70-80 miles and then either the System Six or the Ti take over.
I was looking forward to this review, and it didn't disappoint. It's a shame about the stock wheels, because at 3k, but eith better and lighter wheels, I think the bike is a good price vs spec. As they say, you don't get much for 3 grand these days. I'd be tempted to carry on riding it through the winter, especially as it has an outboard threaded BB, which should keep the weather out.
@@ajollygoodchap I did some heavy edits to get the running time down & chopped out the part where I said that I got this for £2k. At that price, with the Ksyriums lined up, the stock wheels/tyres didn't concern me, but at full RRP they look like a corner-cut. I'll be keeping the 'summer bikes' out 'til the clock change.
How times change. My old Pace has a 28t block, the same as my road bikes. I remember I used to ride up mountains on a 42-21. How on earth was that possible? 😂 I’m new to your vids and have enjoyed seeing the roads I used to ride regularly, on the other side of the hill. Keep up the good work.
Things have changed so quickly, Dave.
I had 42x23 8 spd in the mid-late 90s & did most of the rides in these videos - we'd even try to avoid using bottom gear. In 2007 when I got the System Six it had 10 spd 39x27, which I thought was ridiculously low. I fitted a compact to that bike when I came back in 2022.
Nowadays we have 12 sprockets so we can afford to have cogs in reserve, with this Cannondale I rarely drop below 34x27, but I like the reassurance of having bail out gears if it's a screaming headwind or you've bonked. It's better than walking, or pulling something.
With a bit of luck I'm heading over into East Lancs on Saturday for the 'Haslingden Halo' - there'll be a lot of new ground for me after Bacup.
And we have the bad knees to prove it. 🤣
Great review gordon very interesting,im looking at getting another bike but its a minefield of choice ,ive always had giant bikes and they've never let me down to be fair but once you start browsing its very hard to nail down a potential upgrade🤔
You're right, Jay, I found it quite bewildering at first. It's 15 years since I bought an up-to-date road bike and there have been so many changes in that time that it made me feel like Rip Van Winkle.
There are quite a few reductions and discounts around as the trade tries to recover from the post 2020-21 slump.
I edited out a few sections to reduce running time so this upload didn't mention that I picked up this bike at 1/3 off RRP.
I was originally looking for a new autumn/winter bike but when I saw the discount I changed plans and I'll probably push one of the other bikes into the winter role.
Lovely bike and great touch with the Clockwork Orange T-shirt.
Cheers, Adam. I didn't realise it was so creased until I saw it under bright lights on camera....😁
Needless to say, this video didn't have as many takes as a Kubrick film.
Very informative and enjoyable video Gordon…👍🏻
Cheers, Mick. I don't do many indoor videos but a few people have been asking for a spotlight on the new bike, so it was quicker to set up in the music room.
Compared to old saddles, I have found that on new saddles the rear wings don’t drop down fast enough at edges on the sides so they hit the back of your thigh more and I find I end up shifting forward subconsciously to avoid that especially if I’m in the drops. Even with a center channel might get pressure in the center leading to numbness in the middle
That's a good description because it's roughly the hamstring/glute junction where I'm getting numb on longer rides, and the newer saddles have a much shorter nose so you can't get out of the way as easily. My favourite racing saddles were always 2000s Fizik Arione & 1990s Flites, with San Marco Squadras or Rolls for big mileage.
very nice bike! But I think we need to know more about that Moog and the possible link to Clockwork Orange (Wendy Carlos Switched on Bach, all done on a Moog C3 if memory serves)
@@treyquattro Good spot on the shirt & synth connection, Trey. That soundtrack & 'Switched On' were a modular Moog fest. Mine's a Moog Matriarch, classed as semi-modular, and it's paraphonic so I can play 4 note chords with all kinds of modulation ( stereo filter & a glorious stereo analog delay ) or stack the oscillators, lightly detune, and it's a monster mono.
Nice bike Gordon 👍 Prices for bike models can quickly increase for less and less features retuned. I recently chose a new discounted Giant Defy Advanced 1 Disc, carbon frame, mostly Ultegra, a starter model with heavy basic wheels and 32mm tyres and Standard Shimano crank. Came in at 9.4kg without pedals. However having pretty light frame as a good starting point, finding a new Ultegra crank, new carbon EliteWheels 38mm, 28m tyres with TPU tubes, carbon bottle cages it's now 8.1kg. All for 50% of the price of the next model up. Wish I could loose weight as fast as the bike did. 😂 Anything helps to me get up these Yorkshire hills. Alas it's only a 11-34 at the moment. 11-36 like yours would be better.
I remember seeing your new bike on Strava, David. That's a nifty bit of upgrading you've pulled off at a good price.
There are some good discounts around at the moment - I picked this one at 1/3 off so I've already got a few bob in the carbon wheel fund. I was thinking about TPU but I ended going for latex tubes because I used them for so many years - just got to remember to pump them up every couple of days! Might try them next year though.
As you say, it all helps when we're adding up the ascent-time on the likes of Halton Gill or Holme Moss.
…this bike is the climbing bike. Not because of its weight up hills, it’s because it hasn’t got rim brakes going down the other side 😂
@@davidowen9770 That's sound thinking! There are some routes where I worry about the descent more than the climb... only a few though.... 😁
Nice bike Gordon ,
Cheers, Matt. I don't think it'll be around as long as the old steel machines but it's good fun, especially on the descents.
@@clippingin1593 boys with their toys enjoy it, next year I'm thinking of a new road bike.
@@mattjohn7700 Oooh, that's interesting. I remember watching your Holme Moss video and wondering if there was a new road bike on the horizon. Nice.
I think the 50/34 and 11/36 is a great gearing combination....one I have on one of my summer bikes. Your point about through axles is interesting, I have recently purchased a Giant TCR which came with a 5mm removal Allen key which clips securely into either of the axles......looks similar to a quick release handle.....maybe something to investigate.
Thanks for the tip. Someone else said tool-free axles are available as an aftermarket part so I'll do a bit of searching.
I have a gravel bike which has through-axles with permanently-fixed right-angle heads so you can easily torque them open or closed, and they don't roll far if you put them down on a slope.
I'm a big fan of the new low gears, especially as I've got over-50. I find that once my leg muscles become sore they stay sore for days, whereas if I spin lower gears and shift the burden to the heart & lungs then I can ride 7-8-9 days consecutively.
Bontrager 6mm Axle Switch Lever in BlackCode:W573860......option 5 or 6mm
@@TheMrAPRise Brilliant - thanks again.
the other problem with through-axles is that they're coated in grease so if you put one (or drop one) on the ground you run the risk of picking up a load of grit
@@treyquattro I've noticed that too, and it's too greasy to put in a jersey pocket.
After you place the bike on the non drive side on the ground, just screw the thru axle into the threaded area of the drop out on the frame....
@@sfasto1 wish I'd thought of that!
Mavic I think makes a through axle with a removable handle. Trek sells something like that on their bikes is it called a maxle? Not joking.
That. Color is incredible. They don’t make those in USA.
Thanks, Jose. The bright orange was the deciding factor for me! It's strange that it's only available on the 12 spd mechanical base-model and if I'd moved up the range then the 'not-black' options were mustard-green or sky-blue.
nice bike man p.s. you can't take it with you!
Cheers again, Paul. Is this a new account for you? I seem to remember a blue disc for the ident.
I'll put a few more miles into the new bike then mothball it before the road-salting starts.
@@clippingin1593 yes new account
Tool free through axles can be had so hopefully with a little internet searching you might resolve your issue. Enjoyable videos, thank you. 😀
@@geoffgodsell233 Cheers, Geoff. I've got one on the old gravel bike that has a tool-free right angle head so I'll track one down, but I just found it odd that Cannondale ship this stealth type.
@@clippingin1593I have the previous generation also in 105 manual but 11 speed. Run it on 30mm Tubeless. Love it.
Agree on the thru axles. I found the hex head to be very soft too, even when using high quality Allen keys. Got through two of them on the rear wheel. Maybe I just do not know how to use an Allen Key, LOL! Changed to the version that does not need tools.
The Formula Hubs are not robust in my experience. Rear one failed after a few months, Smart to use your own wheels. I swapped the wheels too after the hub failure.
The lowest spec models in a range like this are clearly the best value and upgrades such as carbon wheels are easy to add.
Great review.
@@stepheneaston8354 Thanks for the extended comment, Stephen. It's good to know that it's running well for you and I'll keep an eye open for the hex problem. Someone kindly looked into tool-free axles and left a comment on here with a Bontrager part number - I'll be buying a pair in the not-too-distant.
I was quite lucky to pick up this model at 1/3 off retail so my complaints over the wheels, tyre diameter, and even saddle quality, aren't too concerning for me.
I have manual 105 11 spd on the titanium bike and it's fuss-free riding with very smooth, reliable shifting on both derailleurs.
I've noticed that 11-36T has appeared with the change to 12 speed, although I fitted 11-34T to the Ksyriums.
Great stuff.
I’m not sold on aero I’d have be doing 30 mph on my rides to get any benefit. weight wins every time 😳internal cables look great but it’s a trip to the bike shop to do anything. Tyres the highest I’ll go is 28 that’s just my preference. I don’t know where the bike industry is going these days when a bike costs the same as a Norton Commando? Disc brakes and aero bikes are heavy compared to bikes of say 10 years ago. But at the end of the day if you enjoy riding the cannondale that’s all that matters👍
I think we're broadly in agreement on many of those points and I certainly signposted internal cables as a future headache.
I'm no fan of hydraulic discs for road bikes because I'm yet to see any benefits beyond tyre clearance, and they introduce a lot of faff as well as extra weight - something I mentioned when talking about today's pro bikes.
I know from time-trialling experience that aerodynamics have an effect at much lower speeds than you'd expect.
Ride a 12 Hr at 22+ mph and the difference in rider effort between a classic Gios/28H and a modern machine is significant, so it's not just a factor at pro' speeds.
Now, for non-competitive leisure riding it doesn't really matter if you do 100 miles in 6:00 or 6:15.
There's a whole different argument about people having a 'performance mindset' and choosing 'fast kit', when the reality is that they're not racing.
At some point there'll be a follow-up with a discussion of weight, comfort, effort-level and even durability for the three bikes mentioned.
There's also a chance that the Supersix becoming my winter bike with 32s and mudguards.
Good video mate, were your gear cables integrated when you bought it? Mine has them enter the top of the downtube
Cheers. Yes, it's a fully integrated set-up. The cables run from the bars, under the stem, then via a groove into the steerer tube. I haven't traced from there, but there are little blanking plates on the down-tube and under the bottom bracket.
I think changing the cables will be good for the swear-box.
Nice
@@WilliamTurner-v3p Cheers, William. It's running very nicely.
Is Ol Canno. Still with us afterall? Alot of Cycling Heritage a foot here. Thanks!
The classic Cannondales were revolutionary and I think they were the best mainstream aluminium racing frames in the late 90s and early 2000s. The company shifted manufacturing to Taiwan in the mid-late 2000s and it's been taken over at least a couple of times, so I've no idea about continuity of design philosophy - but my soft spot for the brand saw me buying this and although it's early days I'm happy enough.
@clippingin1593 That Aluminum thing? Well!
are you cycling highlights also Gordon? sopund very similar lol
People have been asking this on and off for the past 18 months and I always have to disappoint them.... haha.
I've listened closely on the studio rig and I hear a lot of similarities in the accent, cadence, and intonation, but I also hear some odd stuff. I wouldn't be surprised if CH are using some nifty AI.
@clippingin1593 They've pinched your voice, blaggards. I enjoy both channels but 'clipping in' is my favourite.
@@Cyclingpsyman There's a similar channel called 'Watts' and I swear they're using a voice-clone of Eurosport's Carlton Kirby! It's uncanny. I spotted your Cannondale on that rainy ride in the Ulpha hills before the battery packed up.
@@clippingin1593I love my super6. Not lightweight as you say, but disc brakes are a game changer on damp days.
Hi again mate, can I ask if your mechanical gear shifting works ok? Have heard stories that routing cables through stem with tight bends lowers shift quality and/or doesn’t work at all. Cheers!
That's a good question. So far I've put about 1000 miles into it & the indexing across the 12 sprockets is spot-on. Just a slight tweak of the rear mech barrel adjuster c. 700 miles to compensate for stretch - usual stuff.
Maybe in the long run it'll need fresh inners more often but I can't fault it so far.
This bike will be hibernating in a couple of weeks then I'll see how it goes next spring.
@@clippingin1593 Excellent! That’s super helpful to know as considering doing the same with my own bike, cheers mate 👍
@@GlasgowGamingGuy No problem. I usually keep one of the summer bikes with Raceblades until the road salting starts.
Hi Gordon Ur in gt form. I just wonder where is it all manufactured??🚲🚴
It's the usual story of manufacturing, Brian. Prior to 2006-2007, Cannondale frames were manufactured in the USA but then they relocated to Taiwan and all parts East. A lot of today's frame-building, especially the carbon gear, is sub-contracted to a handful of neighbouring mega-factories.
@@clippingin1593 okay the loss of manufacturing jobs is outrageous toothpaste I bought lately made in d east
@@hiworldstephensonultranate290 unbelievable, isn't it?
@@clippingin1593 Yes ever since the steel shipbuilding clothing d list is endless moved it was deffo goodbye for God knows how many workers Sad really
Thanks Highlighter
The framesets the pro's ride are made in small batches by composite engineers of a super high modulus carbon with extra layers, while the ones the public buy with their hard earned money are manufactured in Tiawan with lower grade carbon in large batches by unskilled workers.
It's an age-old dodge, going back decades before even Pegoretti's specials. That's the magic of endorsements, aspiration, and brand association. Cheers, Juanito.
Not that it was a priority for you, but a pair of carbon wheels and you'd be chasing down MvdP weight in no time :-)
You're right, Alistair, there's a platform for a performance bike even using this base-model.
I bought it at 1/3 off so there's already something in the upgrade fund.
The Ksyriums I fitted aren't too bad at 1700gm but you could trim that by 300-400gm with carbon 35mm, go for a lighter saddle, bars, pedals, cassette and you'd be sub-8 kg.
Now we just need to find the website where we can upgrade to Van der Poel's wattage :))
Very informative. Have you found a bike light that fits well with the aero seatpost?
Cheers. I have one from Amazon which uses a 5 LED horizontal array with soft rubber backing and a rubber-ladder strap, but I also have a circular unit attached to a loop on the seat pack. Belt & braces.
I'm going to source a spare seatpost over the winter while they still support this model.
Are you the guy who does the funny 'Cycling Highlights' channel about doping? You sound just like him.😅
I've been getting this question a few times per month for the past year and a half and I have to keep disappointing people.
It's not me, but I hear a lot of similarities, as well as a few oddities. Crazy stuff.
Cycling highlights?
No, that's not my channel. People have been asking this for the last 18 months and I have to keep disappointing them.
Sorry must get fed up with that one but your voices are identical
Get yourself an iron mate
@@kubackjeee Butler's week off, old cock.
@@clippingin1593 if u have a week off, then reschedule the recording butler
Mavic I think makes a through axle with a removable handle. Trek sells something like that on their bikes is it called a maxle? Not joking.
There's a comment with a link to a site selling tool-free axles. I'll buy a pair over the winter when I mothball this bike.
I have a Whyte MTB with powerful 4 piston hydraulic brakes and that uses a Maxle with a QR style final closure of a threaded axle. Secure, convenient, tool-free.